Soil Type: Normal/Loam or Clay/HeavySoil Moisture: Moist, but well drained

A new variety of popular meadow rue this has lavender-purple flowers held high on striking jet-black stems. Each small flower is made up of tiny strands like downy thistles giving the plant a hazy fluffy effect. The foliage is pretty too scalloped and lacy. This willowy tall perennial makes a striking feature towards the back of a partially shady border or as a contrast to larger-leaved plants. It looks at home and happy as part of a cottage-garden scheme but it associates well with grasses too.

Garden care: May need supporting with brushwood or garden canes. Divide congested plants as new growth begins in spring although divisions may be slow to re-establish. In autumn cut back flower stems to the ground.